Portable golf club support system

ABSTRACT

A golf club holder for organizing golfing accessories and removably supporting a golf club above a ground surface, the golf club holder comprising a shaft and a handle that are each coupled with a joint. The handle and the shaft may be movable between a first position where they are substantially parallel, and a second position where they are substantially perpendicular and locked in either position. The shaft may include a ground-piercing member. The ground-piercing member of the first shaft can be pushed into the ground and supported thereby. The golf club holder can be folded up to be transported.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/550,164, filed Oct. 17, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/727,411, filed Oct. 17, 2005. Each of theabove-identified applications are each individually incorporated hereinby reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular sport that can be played by people of all ages. Inthis sport, a typical golfer driving a golf ball onto or adjacent to agreen often carries two clubs, one club being an iron to be used inmaking an approach shot, the other club being a putter for attempting tosink the ball into the hole cup. This is particularly true because golfcart paths rarely come close enough to golf greens so as to permit thegolfer to select clubs conveniently from his or her golf bag. When thegolfer is using one club, the other club is often placed on the ground.As a result, the handle of the other club often becomes wet anddifficult to use. Moreover, the golfer may forget, walk away, and leavethe unused club on the ground.

In recognition of the fact that it is frequently necessary to take oneor more clubs in addition to the putter when one approaches the green, anumber of accessory-type devices are known for holding one or more clubswhile another is being used. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,127,530 to Ortuno (“Ortuno”). Ortuno discloses a wire-type golfclub stand, the top (proximal) end of which is deformed to provide areceptacle for the grip of one or more golf clubs. In Ortuno, the headof the club rests on the ground. The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.2,887,137 to Robb (“Robb”) teaches the use of a disk element at the topof a support rod. The disk comprises a plurality of slots therethroughfor receiving the handle portion of the golf club. In Robb, the head ofthe club rests on the ground.

The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,087 to Thompson comprises anelongated rod, the distal end of which may be inserted into the ground.A hook-type structure is provided in the vicinity of the handle of therod so that one or more clubs may rest therein and be supported thereby,with the head of the supported club resting on the ground.

A similar device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,239 to Roland(“Roland”). The holder disclosed in Roland also comprises an elongatedrod, the distal end of which is inserted into the ground. Mountedadjacent to the handle of the rod are a series of ring-like members. Tosupport the club, the handle of the golf club may be placed within aring-like member and the head of the club will rest on the ground. U.S.Pat. No. 5,597,363 to Leote (“Leote”) discloses a similar device forsupporting the shaft of a club while the head rests on the ground. Thedevice of the Leote patent also includes a holder for other golfaccessories such as, for example, a golf ball or a towel.

The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,990 to Engel is a golf clubrest for supporting the shaft of a club with the club head sitting onthe ground. The device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,916 to Govoni disclosesanother such device wherein the supporting rod not only has a hook-typemember extending from the top thereof, but the rod also comprises ahollow tube for receiving the shaft of a golf club. Thus, the shaft of afirst club can be held within the tube, with the head of the first clubup, and a second club can be received and supported by the hook suchthat the head of the second club rests on the ground, thereby supportingthe club in a substantially vertical position.

The disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 699,291 to Johnson and U.S. Pat. No.5,417,334 to Wu each show holders for golf clubs wherein the grip of theclub is oriented downwardly and the head of the club extends upwardly.Finally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,616,749 and 4,991,839 each disclose golf clubsupports which hold one or more golf clubs in a generally prone positionwith the head of the club sitting on the ground and the grip of the clubat least slightly elevated above the ground.

Another common problem facing golfers is the continual loss of smalldevices such as divot repair tools, ball markers, and the like commonlyused during the game of golf. Typically, these accessory devices arekept within a large pouch on the side of a golf bag or in a pocket ofthe golfer. As previously noted, the golfer must often leave his or hergolf bag at the cart and walk to the green. Therefore, golf accessorydevices must also be carried to the green along with any clubs that thegolfer requires. It is not uncommon that, before the round of golf iscomplete, he or she has either lost or misplaced one or more variousdevices used in the game of golf.

Furthermore, individuals oftentimes desire to smoke a cigar, cigarette,or pipe while golfing. As previously mentioned, golf is sometimes playedwhen the grass is wet, either from rain, morning dew, or from watering.The individuals that desire to smoke a cigar while playing golf on a wetcourse oftentimes cannot find a location to rest their cigar while theytee-off or otherwise hit their golf ball, thereby forcing the cigarsmoking golfers to lay their cigar upon wet grass. Wet grass mayundesirably extinguish or ruin the cigar, thereby forcing these golfersto either re-ignite a wet cigar or to dispose of the wet cigar and lighta new cigar. In addition, considering the amount of tools a golfer oftencarries, there may not be ample room left in the pockets of a golfer tocarry a cigar or cigarette holder.

Finally, as golf is an outdoor sport, umbrellas are often used duringthe game during both rain periods as well as sun periods. The umbrellaprotects the golfer from the heat of the sun and also protects thegolfer and his or her golf clubs from rain. Manually holding an umbrellacan prove quite cumbersome. As the golfer takes each shot, the umbrellamust be temporarily discarded. In addition, as previously noted, anumbrella is not the only item which golfers must carry around thecourse.

To solve these problems, umbrella holders and golf accessory deviceshave been developed in the art. Such umbrella holders relieve the golferfrom manually holding the umbrella by attaching the umbrella to either agolf cart or to the golf bag. However, prior art devices are either toocomplex to build or use, require a permanent alteration to the golf bag,or are adapted to attach only to a golf cart thereby being unusable bygolfers who do not employ golf carts. In addition, such golf accessoryorganizers often times compile all golfing accessories into one area,but still require the golfer to carry the golf accessory organizer onthe course.

SUMMARY

There is a need in the art for an umbrella holder and accessory holderthat is one unit and easy and quick to use, even in the event the golfercarries the device and the clubs he or she will need onto the green. Agolf club holder is provided for removably supporting a golf club abovea surface in such a manner that the club has a head which contacts theground surface and a shaft which extends above the ground surface. Thegolf club holder may have a handle and a shaft that are each coupledwith a joint. The handle and the shaft may be pivotably movable betweena first position where they are substantially parallel to each other,and a second position where they are substantially perpendicular to eachother. The joint may comprise a positive engaging mechanism to retainthe handle and the shaft in either the first position or the secondposition. The handle may be capable of retaining various golfingaccessories therein. Further, an umbrella and golf club holder isprovided. The umbrella and golf club holder may have a shaft configuredto be received by an umbrella and a handle, the shaft and the handle arecoupled by a joint. The joint may comprise a positive engagementmechanism that enables the shaft and the handle to be pivotably moveablebetween a substantially parallel position and a substantiallyperpendicular position. Similar to the golf club holder, the shaft andhandle are capable of being inserted into a surface at a first angle andsupporting a golf club thereon. In addition, the umbrella and golf clubholder comprises a locking mechanism and allows the user to combine anumbrella and a golf club holder into one device. A further embodimentincludes a golf club holder comprises the aforementioned elements, butmay further include a rest that may be inserted into the holder.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention willbe or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examinationof the following figures and detailed description. It is intended thatall such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages beincluded within the description, be within the scope of the invention,and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingfigures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale;emphasis is instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of theinvention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club holder in a second position;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a the golf club holder of FIG. 1 in the secondposition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf club supported by the golf clubholder of FIG. 1 in the second position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf club holder of FIG. 1 in afirst position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view in an exemplary operational environment ofthe golf club holder of FIG. 1 in the second position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the golfclub holder of FIG. 1 in a first position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the golfclub holder of FIG. 1 in a second position;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of agolf club holder in a first position;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the handle of the golf clubholder of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A is a side view of the golf club holder of FIG. 8 in a firstposition;

FIG. 10B is a side view of the golf club holder of FIG. 8 in a secondposition;

FIG. 10C is a detailed perspective view of the cap of the golf clubholder of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the golf club holder ofFIG.8;

FIG. 12 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the golf clubholder shown in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a side view of an alternate embodiment of the golfclub holder shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 14 is a side view of the cigar holder aspect of the golf clubholder of FIG. 8.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the golfclub holder shown in FIG. 8, wherein the embodiment is illustrated intwo different positions.

FIG. 16 is a perspective bottom view of the umbrella handle aspect ofthe alternative embodiment of the golf club holder shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the handleaspect of the golf club holder of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, golf club holder 10 is adapted for removablysupporting a golf club 50 above a ground surface (not shown) in such amanner that the club 50 has a club head 52 which contacts the groundsurface and a club shaft 54 which extends above the ground surface. Thegolf club holder 10 includes a shaft 12, ajoint 20, and a handle 30. Thejoint 20 may include a pivot pin 24. The shaft 12 has a longitudinalaxis B-B and may include a ground piercing end 16. The handle 30 has alongitudinal axis C-C, may be substantially cylindrical, and may includea plurality of indentations 32.

The shaft 12 may be fabricated from a metal, a wood, a plastic, oranother rigid material. The shaft 12 may be fabricated as a solid orhollow, tubular structure. In one embodiment, the shaft 12 comprisesaluminum. However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art, the shaft 12 may be comprised of almost any material. Thehandle 30 may be fabricated from metal, wood, plastic, foam, rubber,foam rubber, or a combination of these or other materials. In oneembodiment, the handle 30 is fabricated from rubber similar to thatfound in a golf club grip. Again, one of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that handle 30 may be comprised of many different materialswithout affecting the operation of the golf club holder 10.

The piercing end 16 of the shaft 12 is shown in the drawings as asymmetrical solid of revolution, but a variety of shapes for piercingend 16 of the shaft 12 are possible. For example, the piercing end 16 ofthe shaft 12 may be an angled planar surface bisecting the shaft 12.Several methods of providing a ground piercing shape are known in theart, and the pictorial description of the piercing end 16 of the shaft12 is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the claimedinvention in any way.

The shaft 12 is coupled by the joint 20 to the handle 30. The joint 20allows the shaft 12 and the handle 30 to pivot with respect to oneanother via an axis A-A. The pivot pin 24 of the joint 20 may extendthrough a first and second opening in the shaft 12 and the handle 30,respectively, and may be, for example, flared at each end to hold theshaft 12 and handle 30 together. In one embodiment, the pivot pin 24 maycomprise a rivet. In another embodiment, the pivot pin 24 may comprise abolt and a nut. Several methods of coupling the shaft 12 to the handle30 together while providing for relative pivoting are known in the art,and the descriptions of the joint 20 and pivot pin 24 are merelyillustrative, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention in anyway.

The shaft 12 and the handle 30 may pivot between a first positionwherein the longitudinal axis B-B of the shaft 12 and the longitudinalaxis C-C of the handle 30 are substantially parallel and substantiallycollinear (shown in FIG. 4), and a second position wherein thelongitudinal axis B-B of the shaft 12 and the longitudinal axis C-C ofthe handle 30 are substantially at a right angle to one another (shownin FIGS. 1-3). The relative positions of the longitudinal axis B-B ofthe shaft 12 and the longitudinal axis C-C of the handle 30 aremaintained by a set of protrusions 14 that are incorporated into thehandle 30. The protrusions 14 extend into a cavity 36 (which is a hollowarea) of the handle 30. The cavity 36 extends from one end of the handle30 to a middle portion along the length of the handle 30, and may be alongitudinal opening, such as the u-shaped notch shown in FIG. 2. Thejoint may be coupled with the handle 30 near an interior end of thecavity 36, as shown in FIG. 1.

The cavity 36 is substantially configured for receiving a portion of theshaft 12, such that the first position a portion of the shaft 12 ispartially, substantially, or completely enveloped by the handle 30. Theprotrusions 14 extend into a cavity 36 far enough to inhibit relativemovement between the shaft 12 and the handle 30 between either the firstor second position, but not so far into the cavity 36 so as to preventmovement altogether. Therefore, the protrusions 14 provide a clearanceless than the diameter of the shaft 12 such that the protrusions 14engage and releaseably retain the shaft 12 when the golf club holder 10is in the first position (substantially parallel). Thereby, theprotrusions 14 function to keep the handle 30 in either the firstposition (substantially parallel) or the second position (substantiallyperpendicular). The degree of incursion by the protrusions 14 into thecavity 36 and the overall tolerance of the cavity 36 relative to theshaft 12 will determine the “tightness” of the locking of the golf clubholder 10 into either the first or second position.

The handle 30 may be coupled with the shaft 12 such that in the firstposition, shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal axis C-C of the handle 30 issubstantially parallel and substantially collinear to the longitudinalaxis B-B of the shaft 12. In this first position, the golf club holder10 resembles a walking stick or a ski pole. As shown in FIG. 4, in thefirst position the golf club holder 10 may be easily stored in a golfbag. Furthermore, in the first position, the golf club holder 10 is alsoeasy to carry, and may be used as a walking stick, as a position marker,or as a spear to aid in picking up and removing trash. The handle 30 mayinclude a plurality of indentations 32, which can prevent the club shaft54 of the club 50 from sliding off of the handle 30 while the golf clubholder 10 is in the second position. Additionally, the plurality ofindentations 32 may facilitate gripping of the handle 30 when thepiercing end 16 of the shaft 12 is driven into the ground surface 100.

The shape of the indentations 32 may be circular, v-shaped, u-shaped,squared, parabolic, or the like. The indentations 32 may each, in somefashion, decrease in diameter from the diameter of the handle 30 toabout the diameter of the shaft 12. Alternatively, the handle 30 couldhave a series of elevated rings, such that the shaft has a firstdiameter and each ring has a second diameter greater than the firstdiameter. In yet another alternative, the handle 30 may have noindentations or rings at all, and may have a single diameter, or agradually changing diameter from end-to-end or middle-to-end. Manyconfigurations of the handle 30 are possible such that the handleprovides sufficient friction to support the club shaft 54 of the club50.

In operation, a golfer locates the golf club holder 10 in a desiredposition such that the piercing end 16 of the shaft 12 is touching theground surface, and the shaft 12 is at an angle of about between thirty(30) and sixty (60) degrees to the ground surface at that point. Thegolfer then applies pressure to the golf club holder 10, thereby forcingthe piercing end 16 of the shaft 12 into the ground surface. The grounditself will support golf club holder 10. Next, the golfer pivots thehandle 30 away from the shaft 12, until the longitudinal axis C-C of thehandle 30 is substantially parallel to the ground surface 100. Ofcourse, the golfer may also “open” the handle 30 prior to placing thepiercing end 16 of the shaft 12 into the ground.

As shown in FIG. 3, in this first position the golf club holder 10 isadapted for removably supporting one or more golf clubs 50 above theground surface in such a manner that the club 50 has a head 52 whichcontacts the ground surface and the club 50 has a club shaft 54 whichextends above the ground surface. The golfer may later remove the golfclub holder 10 by folding the handle 30 back so that the longitudinalaxis B-B is parallel and substantially collinear to the longitudinalaxis C-C, and pulling on the handle 30, which will cause the golf clubholder 10 to become dislodged from the ground surface. Of course, thegolfer may also fold the handle 30 back parallel to the shaft 12 priorto removal from the ground.

Turning to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the golf club holder 10 in anexemplary operational environment is shown. The shaft 12 of the golfclub holder 10 has penetrated a ground surface 56. The club shaft 54 ofthe golf club 50 is shown resting on the handle 30 such that the clubshaft 54 of the golf club 50 forms a first acute angle a with the shaft12 of the golf club holder 10. The shaft 12 is shown inserted into theground surface 56 at a second acute angle β, where the second acuteangle β is between about thirty (30) and sixty (60) degrees. While thesecond acute angle β is between about thirty (30) and sixty (60)degrees, the first acute angle α and the second acute angle β areinversely related such that as one increases, the other decreases. Wherethe second acute angle β is about forty-five (45) degrees, the majorityof the force exerted by the golf club 50 on the golf club holder 10 dueto gravity is in the direction of the shaft 12, thereby holding theshaft 12 into the ground surface 56. As more golf clubs 50 are restedagainst the golf club holder 10, the force of gravity acts to hold thegolf club holder 10 in place, rather than to remove it from the ground.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the golf clubholder 10. In this alternate embodiment, the golf club holder 10includes fabric shade 42, fabric supports 44, and couplings 46. Thecouplings 46 may be hinged to allow the fabric supports 44 to move froma first position substantially parallel to the shaft 12 to a secondposition wherein the fabric supports 44 extend radially from the shaft12 of the golf club holder 10. In this embodiment, the golf club holder10 is essentially an umbrella. This embodiment allows for a golfer tohave a golf umbrella that also acts as a golf club support.

FIGS. 7-10 show various views of an alternative embodiment of the golfclub holder 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Similar to golf club holder 10, golfclub holder 100 of FIG. 7 is adapted for removably supporting a golfclub 102 above a ground surface (not shown) in such a manner that theclub 102 has a club head 104 which contacts the ground surface and aclub shaft 106 which extends above the ground surface.

The golf club holder 100 includes a shaft 112, a joint 124, and a handle130. The shaft 112 has a longitudinal axis D-D, a first end 118, and asecond end 116. The second end 116 may comprise a shape capable ofpiercing a ground surface. The handle 130 has a longitudinal axis E-Eand comprises a top 140, a first end 142, a second end 144, and a bottom146. The bottom 146 of the handle 130 may comprise a longitudinal cavity150 that extends from the first end 142 of the handle 130 to a middleportion thereof. The cavity 150 of the handle 130 may be a longitudinalopening, such as the u-shaped notch shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.

The first end 118 of the shaft 112 may be coupled with the handle 130 bythe joint 124. The joint 124 may be coupled with the handle 130 near aninterior end of the cavity 150, as shown in FIG. 8. The joint 124 allowsthe shaft 112 and the handle 130 to pivot with respect to one anothervia axis F-F. The joint 124 may comprise any mechanism known in the artthat will allow the shaft 112 and the handle 130 to pivot with respectto one another around axis F-F.

The shaft 112 may be fabricated from a metal, a wood, a plastic, oranother rigid material. The shaft 112 may be fabricated as a solid orhollow, tubular structure. In one embodiment, the shaft 112 comprisesaluminum. However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art, the shaft 112 may be comprised of almost any material. Thehandle 130 may be fabricated from metal, wood, plastic, foam, rubber,foam rubber, or a combination of these or other materials. In oneembodiment, the handle 130 is fabricated from rubber similar to thatfound in a golf club grip. Again, one of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that handle 130 may be comprised of many different materialswithout affecting the operation of the golf club holder 100.

In one embodiment, the joint 124 comprises a positive engagementmechanism. In this embodiment the cavity 150 of the handle 130 comprisesat least two apertures 164 extending outwardly from the cavity 150. Theat least two apertures 164 may be aligned substantially parallel to axisF-F and formed concentrically around a first axis. The first end 118 ofthe shaft 112 may be coupled with a cap 170. The cap 170 comprises a top180, a first side 172, a second side 174, a third side 176, a fourthside 178, and a cavity 182 (not shown), and may be fabricated frommetal, wood, plastic, or other rigid materials. The first side 172 andthe third side 176 each may have a protrusion 188 extending laterallytherefrom. Each protrusion 188 is substantially configured to be capableof moveably engaging with one of the at least two apertures 164 of thecavity 150. The cavity 182 of the cap 170 is substantially configured toreceive the first end 118 of the shaft 112 and engage therewith.

The first end 118 of the shaft 112 is inserted into the cavity 182 ofthe cap 170. Thereafter, the protrusion 188 of the first side 172 andthe protrusion 188 of the third side 176 are both engaged with therespective apertures 164 of the cavity 150 in such a manner that theshaft 112 and the handle 130 are capable of being pivotably moveableabout axis F-F.

In an exemplary embodiment, the joint 124 may further comprise a detentmember 160 and contoured aspects on the top 180 of the cap 170 (as shownin FIG. 10) to allow the shaft 112 and the handle 130 to retain theirposition relative to each other. The detent member 160 may be coupledwith the handle 130 and protrude a distance into the cavity 150.

The top 10 of the cap 170 may further comprise a contoured surface 184and at least one flange 186. The contoured surface 184 of the top 180may include at least one recess configured to correspond to the detentmember 160 of the handle 130. The at least one flange 186 of the top 180may be substantially configured to engage the detent member 160 and mayextend from the top 180, past the second side 174 or the fourth side 178of the cap 170. In an alternative embodiment, the flange 186 may extendpast the second side 174 and a second flange 189 may extend past thefourth side 178.

The shaft 112 and the handle 130 may pivot about the joint between afirst position wherein the longitudinal axis D-D of the shaft 112 andthe longitudinal axis E-E of the handle 130 are substantially paralleland substantially collinear (shown in FIG. 8), and a second positionwherein the longitudinal axis D-D of the shaft 112 and the longitudinalaxis E-E of the handle 130 are substantially at a right angle to oneanother (shown in FIGS. 7, 10A, and 10B). When the handle 130 and theshaft 112 are in the first substantially parallel position, a portion ofthe shaft 112 may be partially, substantially, or completely within thecavity 150 and enveloped by the handle 130.

The relative positions of the longitudinal axis D-D of the shaft 112 andthe longitudinal axis E-E of the handle 130 are maintained when thedetent member 160 engages either the contoured surface 184 of the top180 or the at least one flange 186 of the top 180. Specifically, whenthe at least one flange 186 of the top 180 is engaged with the detentmember 160, the shaft 112 and the handle 130 are maintained in the firstsubstantially parallel position. Alternatively, when the contouredsurface 184 of the top 180 engages with the detent member 160, the shaft112 and the handle 130 are maintained in the second substantiallyperpendicular position.

The handle 130 may further comprise at least one flange 190 coupled withthe handle 130 and extending into the cavity 150 at a location adjacentto the first end 142 of the handle 130. The at least one flange 190 maybe configured to function as a thumb tab to facilitate the coupling anduncoupling of the at least one flange 186 of the top 170 and the detentmember 160. Specifically, the at least one flange 190 provides a surfacefor which a golfer may use his or her thumb to apply force and easilydisengage the detent member 160 from the at least one flange 186 of thetop 170, thereby moving the handle 130 and the shaft 112 from thesubstantially parallel position to the substantially perpendicularposition.

In an alternative embodiment, the detent member 160 may be coupleddirectly to the first end 118 of the shaft 112, the contoured surface184 may be located on the handle 130, and an aperture may be locatedthrough the first end 118 of the shaft 112, formed concentrically arounda second axis. In this embodiment, the joint 124 comprises a pin joint.In this embodiment, the first axis of the apertures 164 and the secondaxis of the aperture in the first end 118 are collinearly aligned and apin is extended through each of the apertures 164 and the aperture ofthe first end 118. The pin secures the apertures of the first end 118 ofthe shaft 112 to the handle 130 such that the shaft 112 and the handle130 are pivotably moveable between the substantially parallel positionand the substantially perpendicular position.

It is also contemplated that as an alternative to a pin, at least twoprotrusions may extend from the handle 130 into the cavity 150. The atleast two protrusions each may be configured to engage with the apertureof the first end 118 of the shaft 112. In this embodiment, the detentmember 160 and the contoured surface 184 may engage in the same manneras previously described with respect to the other embodiments disclosedherein.

In yet another embodiment of the joint 124, the detent member 160 may becoupled with the top 180 of the cap 170 and the contoured surface 184may be located on the handle 130. In this embodiment, at least oneaperture is located on the handle 130 and extends from the cavity 150,toward the second end 144 of the handle 130. The at least one aperturemay be concentrically formed about a third axis. This third axis may beperpendicular to axis F-F and the at least one aperture may besubstantially configured to receive the detent member 160. The detentmember 160 may engage the contoured surface 184 may engage in the samemanner as previously described with respect to the other embodimentsdisclosed herein. Furthermore, the detent member 160 may engage theaperture on the handle 112 in the same manner as previously describedwith respect to the other embodiments disclosed herein.

Each of the aforementioned embodiments allows a golfer to use the golfclub holder 100 to prop up golf clubs with minimal set up. In addition,the embodiments also allow the golfer to easily fold and store the golfclub holder 100 in a golf bag or similar location when it is no longerin use.

Turning now to FIG. 11, a perspective exploded view of one embodiment ofthe golf club holder 100 is shown. This embodiment further comprises anaperture 204, a grommet 202, a first recess 208, a second recess 210,and a ball marker 206. The ball marker 206 may be a conventional ballmarker known in the art and, in this embodiment, comprises a disk with afirst diameter, a relatively thin profile, and a projection extendingtherefrom. Similarly, the grommet 202 is merely a rubber grommetconventionally known in the art.

The aperture 204 is formed concentrically about axis D-D (shown in FIG.7) in the handle 130 and communicates with the cavity 150. The firstrecess 208 comprises a certain depth and a certain diameter and issubstantially configured to receive the grommet 208. The first recess208 is formed concentrically about axis D-D such that the first recess208 surrounds the aperture 204. The second recess 210 also comprises acertain depth and a certain diameter, the depth of the second recess 210being less than the depth of the first recess 208 and the diameter ofthe second recess 210 being larger than the diameter of the first recess208. The depth and diameter of the second recess 210 may besubstantially configured to receive the ball marker 206. Similar to thefirst recess 208, the second recess 210 may be formed concentricallyabout axis D-D such that the second recess 210 surrounds the aperture204 and the first recess 208.

The grommet 202 is inserted into the first recess 208 and a portion ofthe grommet 202 is inserted through the aperture 204 as isconventionally known in the art. The grommet 202 functions, in part, toretain the ball marker 206 within the aperture 204 by providing adequatefriction therein. The protrusion of the ball marker 206 is insertedthrough the grommet 202 and the disk of the ball marker 206 is allowedto rest within the second recess 210. In this manner, ball marker 206 isremovably coupled to the top 140 of the handle 130. When the ball marker206 is fully inserted into the handle 130, the ball marker 206 may beflush with the top 140 of the handle 130.

In another embodiment, a divot repair tool (not shown) may also beremovably coupled with the top 140 of the handle 130. A conventionaldivot repair tool comprises a prong portion and a planar portion with anaperture located thereon. Similar to the embodiment disclosed above, thegrommet 202 is inserted into the first recess 208 and a portion of thegrommet 202 is inserted through the aperture 204. Thereafter, the divotrepair tool is positioned over the aperture 204 such that the center ofthe aperture located on the planar portion of the divot repair tool isconcentrically aligned about axis D-D. The ball marker 206 is insertedinto the aperture 204, necessarily penetrating the aperture of the divotrepair tool. In this manner, the divot repair tool is sandwiched betweenthe top 140 of the handle 130 and the ball marker 206 and is removablycoupled to the ball marker 206 and the handle 130.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the golfclub holder 100. In this alternate embodiment, the golf club holder 100is combined with a modified umbrella 300 to form an umbrella and golfclub holder 400.

The modified umbrella 300 is comprised of a shaft 302, a handle 304, aplurality of fabric supports 306, a fabric shade 308, and a plurality ofcouplings 310. The shaft 302 consists of a hollow, cylindrical tube andhas a proximate end 312, a distal end 314, and an interior surface. Theproximate end 312 further comprises an aperture 316 of a first diameter,the aperture 316 communicating with the interior surface of the shaft302. The handle 304 is coupled with the proximate end 312 such that theaperture 316 is exposed. The plurality of fabric supports 306 surroundthe outside of the first shaft 302 in a location adjacent to the distalend 314 of the shaft 302. Each of the fabric supports 306 are comprisedof a first end 318 and a second end 320 and are displaceable between acollapsed position wherein the fabric supports 306 are disposed adjacentto the shaft 302 in a manner substantially parallel thereto, and an openposition wherein the fabric supports 306 extend radially from the shaft302. The fabric shade 308 is coupled with and supported by the pluralityof fabric supports 306. The plurality of couplings 310 are hingedlycoupled with the first end 318 of each fabric support 306 and the firstshaft 302 in a location proximate to the distal end 314 of the firstshaft 302. The configuration of the plurality of couplings 310 allowsthe fabric supports 306 and fabric shade 308 to move between a collapsedposition and the open position, thereby allowing a user to raise andlower the modified umbrella 300.

The umbrella and golf club holder 400 is further comprised of the golfclub holder 100. In this embodiment, the shaft 112 of the golf clubholder 100 has a diameter less than the diameter of the aperture 316 ofthe first shaft 302 and is configured to be received by the shaft 302 ofthe umbrella. The handle 130 of the golf club holder 100 has a diametergreater than the diameter of the aperture 316 of the first shaft 302.The shaft 112 of the golf club holder 100 may be slidably receivedthrough aperture 316 of the modified umbrella 300, such that the distalend 116 of the shaft 112 is located within the distal end 314 of theshaft 302. Because the diameter of the handle 130 is larger than thediameter of the aperture 316, the handle 130 is not received into theinterior of the shaft 302 of the modified umbrella 300. Therefore, thehandle 130 cooperates with the proximate end 312 of the shaft 302 in aposition adjacent to the handle 304 of the modified umbrella 300.

It is within the scope of this embodiment that the handle 304 and thehandle 130 are configured such that the handle 304 is substantially themirror image of the handle 130. In this manner, when the shaft 112 ofthe golf club holder 100 is fully received within the shaft 302 of themodified umbrella 300, the handle 112 and the handle 304 are positionedin a substantially parallel position and may cooperate to form a single,larger handle. In this manner, a golfer may hold the single largerhandle to operate the combination umbrella and golf club holder when thegolf club holder 100 is not in use.

It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that thecombination umbrella and golf club holder does not require an umbrellamanufactured specifically for this apparatus. For example, conventionalumbrellas typically contain a hollow shaft as the central aspect of theumbrella. It is within the scope of this disclosure to use aconventional umbrella and merely puncture the handle thereof to allowthe shaft 112 of the golf club holder 100 to be inserted and receivedinto the shaft of the conventional umbrella. In this embodiment, thehandle of the conventional umbrella and the handle 130 of the golf clubholder 100 are unlikely to be positioned immediately adjacent to oneanother. Therefore, the shaft 112 of the golf club holder 100 mayfunction to elongate the central shaft of the conventional umbrella,thereby providing more height to the fabric shade when the umbrella isopened and in use.

Turning now to FIGS. 15 and 16, an alternative embodiment of theumbrella and golf club holder 400 shown in FIG. 12 are shown. In thisembodiment, a modified umbrella and golf club holder 500 is comprised ofa modified umbrella 501 and a golf club holder 503. The modifiedumbrella 501 is capable of wholly receiving the golf club holder 503. Asthe structure of the umbrella and golf club holder 500 is substantiallyequivalent to that of the umbrella and golf club holder 400 previouslydescribed, only the aspects that differ will be described in detailherein.

The golf club holder 503 comprises a handle 530 coupled to a shaft 522.The handle 530 of the golf club holder 503 comprises a proximate end532, a distal end 534, a top 536, and a bottom 538. Further the handle520 may be substantially configured to be received within the modifiedumbrella 501. Similar to the embodiments previously discussed, the shaft522 is coupled with the distal end 534 of the handle 530. The proximateend 532 may be of either of an open or closed configuration.

The bottom 538 of the handle 530 may comprise a cavity (not shown),substantially similar to the cavity 150 of handle 130 shown in FIG. 9.As illustrated in FIG. 17, the handle may further comprise a pluralityof ribs 570 that traverse the cavity. The plurality of ribs 570 may beconfigured to couple with and removably retain a conventional ballmarker 580 within the cavity of the handle 530. In another embodiment, aplurality of ribs 590 may be configured in a curved orientation suchthat a user could easily disengage the golf club holder 503 from themodified umbrella 501 by inserting his or her finger into the cavity andapplying pressure to one of the ribs 590.

The modified umbrella 501 comprises a handle 504, a shaft 502, and afabric shade portion. The handle 504 of the modified umbrella 501 maycomprise an interior, an exterior, a first end 510, a second end 512, atop 514, and a bottom 516. In one embodiment, the first end 510 and thebottom 516 may be open, thereby allowing access to the interior of thehandle 504.

The second end 512 of the handle 504 may be configured in asubstantially funnel-like shape and is coupled with the shaft 502. Aplurality of ridges 508 may extend along the second end 512 to providesupport to the second end 512. In an exemplary embodiment, the narrowend of the funnel-shaped second end 512 may be coupled with the shaft502 and configured such that the plurality of ridges 508 extend in adirection parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle 504.

In one embodiment, the golf club holder 503 is slidably inserted intothe modified umbrella 501 such that the handle 530 and the shaft 532 areboth enclosed therein. When the golf club holder 503 is wholly receivedwithin the modified umbrella 501, the proximate end 532 may either bepositioned flush with the first end 510 of the handle 504 or at somedistance within the handle 504.

When the golf club holder 503 is wholly inserted within the modifiedumbrella 503, a cap 525 may be coupled with the first end 510. The cap525 may be configured in any shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap525 is configured to provide a seal on the first end 510 and cooperateswith the proximate end 532 of the handle 530. The cap 525 may also beconfigured to seal the bottom 516 of the handle 504 as well as the firstend 510 of the handle 504. Once the first end 510 is sealed by the cap525, a label may be applied to the first end 510, thereby sealing thegolf club holder 503 within the modified umbrella 501. In an exemplaryembodiment, the label may comprise a Mylar dome label. It will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the addition of thelabel is beneficial to equipment manufacturers and the like because itprovides a convenient place to adhere a trademark or logo.

It is also within the scope of this disclosure that the umbrella andgolf club holder 500 further comprises a locking mechanism to secure thegolf club holder 503 within the modified umbrella 501. The lockingmechanism may comprise any locking mechanism known in the art that iscapable of removably retaining the golf club holder 503 within themodified umbrella 501. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism maycomprise an aperture 527 and a ring (not shown). The second end 512 ofthe umbrella handle 504 may comprise the aperture 527 wherein theaperture 527 communicates with the interior of the handle 504. In anexemplary embodiment, the aperture 527 is located proximate to thetapered end of the funnel-shaped second end 512. The ring is configuredto couple with the shaft 522 of the golf club holder 503 and maycomprise a protrusion extending therefrom.

When the golf club holder 503 is received within the modified umbrella501, the ring may be inserted through the aperture 527 and removablycoupled with the shaft 522 of the golf club holder 503. The protrusionof the ring is configured to extend through the aperture 527 toward theexterior of the modified umbrella 501. In this manner, the protrusionprevents the golf club holder 503 from sliding within the modifiedumbrella 501. The ring may be fabricated of any material that issubstantially rigid and sufficiently durable to withstand pressure onthe protrusion in the event the golf club holder 503 slides toward thefirst end 510 of the modified umbrella 501.

The locking mechanism of the umbrella and golf club holder 500 may alsocomprise an alternative embodiment of the cap 525. The locking mechanismportion of the cap 525 may comprise a protrusion extending from the cap525 into the interior of the handle 504. The protrusion of the cap 525may be configured to prevent movement of the golf club holder 503 byobstructing the first end 510 of the handle 504.

In yet another embodiment, the handle 504 may be coupled with a clearhandle cover 528. The clear handle cover 528 may be removably secured tothe handle 504 in any manner known in the art. The clear handle cover528 may form a removable sleeve over a portion of the handle 504,thereby allowing for a label to be affixed between the handle 504 andthe clear handle cover 528. For example, a golfer could insert apersonal information label between the handle 504 and the clear handlecover 528, or a manufacturer could insert a logo identifying the companythat manufactured the equipment. The use of the clear handle cover 528eliminates the risk of a label degrading or detaching. Moreover, theclear handle cover 528 provides a secure way to affix ownershipinformation to the umbrella and golf club holder 500.

Now referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, two front views of an alternativeembodiment of the golf club holder 100 of FIGS. 7 and 8 are shown. Inthis alternative embodiment, a golf club holder is combined with anumbrella to form an umbrella and golf club holder 350.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the umbrella and golf clubholder 350 comprises an umbrella portion, an embodiment of the golf clubholder 100 and a axis G-G. The umbrella portion comprises a first shaft352, a first handle 354, a plurality of fabric supports (not shown), afabric shade (not shown), and a plurality of couplings (not shown). Thefabric shade portion of the umbrella and golf club holder 350 is aconventional umbrella shade and is commonly known to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

The first handle 354 of the umbrella portion consists of a hollow,cylindrical tube comprising a first diameter, a distal end 357, and aproximate end 359. The proximate end of the first handle 354 maycomprise an insert portion 366 of a twist lock fitting mechanism 358.The insert portion 366 of the twist lock fitting mechanism 358 comprisesan aperture comprising a first leg 372, a second leg 374, and a thirdleg 376. The first leg 372 extends distally and parallel to the axis G-Gfor a first distance. The second leg 374 forms a first right angle andextends perpendicular to the axis G-G for a second distance. The thirdleg 376 forms a second right angle and extends toward the proximate end359 in a direction parallel to the axis G-G for a third distance. Thethird distance may be shorter than the first distance, such that thethird leg 376 does not extend completely to the edge of the proximateend 359. In this manner, the insert portion 366 forms a hook shape inthe proximate end 359 of the first handle 354. The distal end 357 of thefirst handle 354 contains an aperture therein (not shown), the aperturehaving a second diameter that is less than the diameter of the firsthandle 354. The aperture on the distal end 357 communicates with thefirst shaft 352.

The first shaft 352 of the umbrella portion consists of a hollow,cylindrical tube comprising an inner surface, an open, proximate end355, and a closed, distal end (not shown). The proximate end 355 of thefirst shaft 352 comprises a third diameter equal to or greater than thesecond diameter of the aperture on the distal end 357, but less than thefirst diameter of the first handle 354. The interior of the first shaft352 communicates with the interior of the first handle 354 via theaperture on the distal end 357. The fabric shade portion and theplurality of couplings are coupled with the first shaft 352 in alocation adjacent to the distal end of the first shaft 352. Therefore,the umbrella portion of the umbrella and golf club holder 350 comprisesa conventional umbrella having a hollow shaft and handle, with theinterior of the shaft and the handle exposed at the proximate end 355 ofthe first handle 354.

The aspects of the golf club holder included in this embodiment directlycorrelate with all aspects of the golf club holder 100 illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8; however, the golf club holder of the umbrella and golfclub holder 350 may not comprise a moveable joint allowing the handleand the shaft to rotate relative to one another. Therefore, in thisembodiment, the golf club holder portion may be permanently fixed in thesubstantially perpendicular position described previously herein.

The golf club holder aspect of the umbrella and golf club holder 350comprises a second shaft 362 and a second handle 364. The second handle364 of the umbrella and golf club holder 350 is equivalent to the handle130 of FIGS. 7 and 8, and is coupled with the proximate end 370 of thesecond shaft 362. However, as mentioned previously, in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the second handle 364 and the second shaft362 may be coupled in such a manner so that the second handle 364 andthe second shaft 362 do not rotate relative to one another.

The second shaft 362 comprises a a proximate end 370, and a distal end(not shown), and is configured to be received by the umbrella portion.The distal end of the second shaft 362 is equivalent to the second end116 of the shaft 112 in FIG. 7. The second shaft 362 may be slidablymoveable into and out of the first handle 354 and the first shaft 352through the proximate end 359 of the first handle 354 and the apertureof the first handle 354, respectively.

The proximate end 370 of the second shaft 362 may further comprise a keyportion 368 of the twist lock fitting mechanism 358. The key portion 368is configured to insert into the insert portion 366 and lock therein. Inthis manner, the golf club holder and umbrella portion of the umbrellaand golf club holder 350 may be effectively secured together. It is alsowithin the scope of this embodiment to include a compressive material,such as a spring, within the distal end of the first shaft 352. Suchcompressive material provides a degree of resistance to the completeinsertion of the second shaft 362 into the first shaft 352, thereforeproviding an upward force capable of further securing the key portion368 within the third leg of the insert portion 366.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a rest aspect 400 of the golf clubholder 100 of FIGS. 7 and 8. The rest 400 comprises a clip portion 402and a protrusion 404 extending from the base of the clip portion 402 andmay be configured to retain a cigar or similar object.

The clip portion 402 comprises at least two prongs configured tosufficiently retain a cigar or other similar object therein. The clipportion 402 may be fabricated of metal, wood, plastic, or other similarmaterial that is sufficiently rigid to retain a cigar or similar shapedobject within the clip portion. The protrusion 404 may be comprised ofthe same material as the clip portion 402 and extends outwardly from thebase of the clip portion 402.

A plurality of apertures 406 may be located in the surface of the handle130, particularly at first end 144. The apertures 406 are substantiallyconfigured to receive and engage the protrusion 404 of the rest 400.Similarly, the protrusion 404 may be substantially configured to beinsertable into the plurality of apertures 406 located on the surface ofhandle 130. The protrusion 404 of the rest 400 may be removably insertedinto one of the plurality of apertures 406 located on the handle 130such that the clip portion 402 is projected away from the handle 130 ina manner capable of supporting a cigar or similar object. In thismanner, a golfer may place a cigar in the rest 400 when it is their turnto swing.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

1. A golf club holder comprising: a shaft having a first end and asecond end, the second end configured to couple with a surface at afirst angle; a handle coupled with the first end of the shaft andconfigured to support a golf club at a second angle and comprising acavity configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft; a jointcoupling the handle with the first end of the shaft wherein the jointcomprises a positive engaging mechanism; wherein the joint enables theshaft and the handle to be pivotably moveable between a substantiallyparallel position and a substantially perpendicular position.
 2. Thegolf club holder of claim 1, wherein the first and second angles aresubstantially equal and the holder is further configured to be supportedby the club.
 3. The golf club holder of claim 1, wherein the second endof the shaft is configured to penetrate the surface.
 4. The golf clubholder of claim 1, wherein the positive engagement mechanism comprises adetent member coupled with the handle and protruding a distance into thecavity.
 5. The golf club holder of claim 4, wherein the handle furthercomprises an aperture coupled with the cavity.
 6. The golf club holderof claim 5, wherein the positive engagement mechanism further comprisesa cap coupled with the first end of the shaft and comprising a top, afirst side, a second side, and a cavity, the first side and the secondside each having a protrusion therefrom and configured to be received bythe aperture of the handle, the top comprising a contoured surface and aflange, the contoured surface including a recess corresponding to thedetent member and the flange extending past the cap and being configuredto engage the detent member, and the cavity configured to receive thefirst end of the shaft.
 7. The golf club holder of claim 6, wherein theprotrusion engages the aperture of the handle, whereby the shaft and thehandle are pivotably moveable between the substantially parallelposition and the substantially perpendicular position.
 8. The golf clubholder of claim 5, wherein the positive engagement mechanism furthercomprises an aperture located on the first end of the shaft.
 9. The golfclub holder of claim 8, wherein the positive engagement mechanismfurther comprises a pin slidably coupled with the aperture of the handleand the aperture of the first end of the shaft.
 10. The golf club holderof claim 9, wherein the shaft and the handle are pivotably moveableabout the pin between the substantially parallel position and thesubstantially perpendicular position.
 11. The golf club holder of claim6, wherein the recess of the cap engages the detent member when theshaft and handle are in the substantially perpendicular position. 12.The golf club holder of claim 6, wherein the flange of the top engagesthe detent member when the shaft and handle are in the substantiallyparallel position.
 13. The golf club holder of claim 12, wherein thehandle comprises a flange configured to couple and uncouple of theflange of the cap and the detent member.
 14. The golf club holder ofclaim 13, wherein the at least one flange of the handle comprises a flatsurface extending from the handle.
 15. The golf club holder of claim 13,wherein the flange of the handle comprises a thumb tab configured tocouple and uncouple the flange of the top and the detent member.
 16. Thegolf club holder of claim 4, wherein the shaft further comprises anaperture located on the first end of the shaft and the handle furthercomprises at least two protrusions extending into the cavity andconfigured to be received by the aperture of the shaft, wherein the atleast two protrusions engage the aperture of the shaft, whereby theshaft and the handle are pivotably moveable between the substantiallyparallel position and the substantially perpendicular position.
 17. Thegolf club holder of claim 5 further comprising a grommet inserted withinthe handle where the grommet is configured to couple with a ball marker.18. The golf club holder of claim 17 configured to couple with a divotrepair tool.
 19. An umbrella and golf club holder, the holdercomprising: a shaft configured to be received by an umbrella and havinga first end and a second end, the second end configured to couple with asurface at a first angle; a handle coupled with the first end of theshaft, configured to support a golf club at a second angle, andcomprising a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of theshaft; and a joint coupling the handle with the first end of the shaftwherein the joint comprises a positive engaging mechanism and enablesthe shaft and the handle to be pivotably moveable between asubstantially parallel position and a substantially perpendicularposition.
 20. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 19 wherein theumbrella comprises a hollow shaft to slidably receive the umbrellatherein.
 21. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 19, wherein theumbrella further comprises a handle configured to mirror the shape ofthe handle of the holder, whereby the handle of the umbrella and thehandle of the holder cooperate when the shaft is received by theumbrella.
 22. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 19, wherein thehandle of the holder is configured to be received by the umbrella. 23.The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 22 wherein the handle of theumbrella is configured to receive the handle of the holder.
 24. Theumbrella and golf club holder of claim 23 wherein the handle of theumbrella is configured to receive a ball marker.
 25. The umbrella andgolf club holder of claim 22, wherein the handle further comprises aplurality of ribs extending across the cavity.
 26. The umbrella and golfclub holder of claim 25, wherein the plurality of ribs are configured toreceive a ball marker.
 27. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 22wherein the handle of the umbrella further comprises an end capconfigured to communicate with the handle of the holder.
 28. Theumbrella and golf club holder of claim 22 wherein the handle of theumbrella further comprises a funnel shape.
 29. The umbrella and golfclub holder of claim 28 further comprising a ring configured to couplewith the shaft of the holder whereby the shaft is fixedly received bythe umbrella.
 30. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 29 whereinthe umbrella comprises an aperture configured to receive the ring. 31.The umbrella and golf club holder, the holder comprising: a shaftconfigured to be received by an umbrella and having a first end and asecond end, the second end configured to couple with a surface at afirst angle; a handle coupled with the first end of the shaft,configured to support a golf club at a second angle; and a lockingmechanism coupled with the first end of the shaft.
 32. The umbrella andgolf club holder of claim 31, wherein the handle of the holder isconfigured to be received by an umbrella.
 33. The umbrella and golf clubholder of claim 32, the umbrella further comprising a handle configuredto receive the handle of the holder.
 34. The umbrella and golf clubholder of claim 33, the handle further comprising a clear handle covercoupled thereon.
 35. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 33, thehandle of the umbrella further comprising an aperture configured toreceive a finger.
 36. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 33wherein the handle of the umbrella is configured to receive a ballmarker.
 37. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 32, wherein thehandle further comprises a plurality of ribs extending across thecavity.
 38. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 37, wherein theplurality of ribs are configured to receive a ball marker.
 39. Theumbrella and golf club holder of claim 32 wherein the handle of theumbrella further comprises an end cap configured to communicate with thehandle of the holder.
 40. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 32wherein the handle of the umbrella further comprises a funnel shape. 41.The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 40 wherein the handle of theumbrella further comprises a plurality of ridges configured to providestability to the holder.
 42. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim40 wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a ring configured tocouple with the shaft whereby the shaft is fixedly received by theumbrella.
 43. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 42 wherein theumbrella comprises an aperture configured to receive the ring.
 44. Theumbrella and golf club holder of claim 31, wherein the umbrellacomprises a hollow shaft configured to slidably receive the umbrellatherein.
 45. The umbrella and golf club holder of claim 44, wherein theumbrella further comprises and handle and the handle comprises a lockingmechanism coupled thereto.
 46. The umbrella and golf club holder ofclaim 45, wherein the locking mechanism of the shaft is configured toengage the locking mechanism of the umbrella whereby the shaft isfixedly received by the umbrella.
 47. The umbrella and golf club holderof claim 46 wherein the locking mechanism of the umbrella furthercomprises a compressive material to engage the locking mechanism of theumbrella.
 48. A golf club holder, the holder comprising: a shaftconfigured to couple with a surface at a first angle; a rest including aclip coupled with a protrusion; a handle configured to couple with theprotrusion of the rest and coupled with the shaft to pivot relative tothe shaft between a substantially parallel position and a substantiallyperpendicular position; and a joint coupling the handle with the firstend of the shaft wherein the joint comprises a positive engagingmechanism and enables the shaft and the handle to be pivotably moveablebetween a substantially parallel position and a substantiallyperpendicular position.